Daily Reflections

Scripture:

Acts 8:1b-8
John 6:35-40

Reflection:

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me. -John 6:37-38

“What you do speaks so loudly, that I can’t hear what you are telling me.” (my mom, via Ralph Waldo Emerson) or actions speak louder than words. I think what I miss most about those family and friends who are no longer here with me is what they did, especially the things they did that inspired and taught me about living. My sister Marianne taught me how to ride a horse and many other things. My dad taught me to get up with the sun each morning, thank God for the gift of a new day and then go to work. Roger taught me the importance of learning from my mistakes and changing my ways to get different results.

What could I do differently today to make our world a better place? Is there something I can do to have a minus electric bill next month; to live in a world of “we” rather than a world of “me”; to see my neighbor as more important than any particular material good; to make important decisions based upon consensus rather than edict; to build a bridge rather than a wall; to make life affordable for all people? 

God help me do something with the time you give me today. Help me see where I need to change. Thank you for all the great gifts of people, plants and animals you give me to share my day with and to show me your way.

Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois.